Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-04-08

How Henry ward Beecher Gave n Mas
$40 for Robbing Him.


Mr. Beecher was for number Of years
a warm friend Of Gen. James Mcleer. and
when the latter was postmaster paid fire.
quent visits to his office. Mr. Beecher was
very benevolent, and had many experiences
with needy persons Of a religious stamp
and with impecunious clergymen. Gen
McLeer was much interested in the relief
of INDECENT soldiers, and on this mutual
ground they frequently met in the postmas-
ter's Office and related their experiences.
In speaking Of Mr. Beecher yesterday af-
ternoon Gen. McIeer said
IL remember well that Mr.. Beecher came
to my office, as was his wont, and in
few minutes we were deeply engaged in
story telling. He would get off one, then
/ would, and so the thing was kept up.
Finally, Mr.. Beecher said Yesterday a
seedy individual rang my doorbell and ask
ed TO see me Whoever answered the ring
tried to get him TO go away, but as he was
so persistent he was finally shown into
room. When l came in the man appeared
most shamefaced and with downcast eyes
began to stammer
Mr.. Beecher-Mr. Beecher-'
"But cannot tell the story in the way
Mr.. Beecher did. He had rare gift in
that respect. Mr. Beecher said why,
what is it, my man 2
"Oh, you won't betray me, will you, Mr..
Beecher, you won't betray me =
90 How can l betray you = was the an
swer. i never saw you before and know
nothing about you.
The man continued his wailngs for
some time, keeping his face turned from
the great preacher and hopping his eyes
almost ceaselessly. l wish you could have
seen Beecher act the part as he paced up
1 4 4 Al
great secrets of his story telling. Mr.
Beecher said that he finally quieted the
man, saying that he would not betray him.
Then, said Mr. Beecher, the sobbing
broke out with greater force than ever for
few moments, when the man stammered:
4 have great load on my conscience and
| can neither eat nor sleep. II tell you all
about it and you forgive me ] will be man
again | know | will
"Well, tell me all about it, said Mr..
Beecher, and in his fatherly way persuad-
ed the man to relieve his conscience
"'l-I--I am the man who-who-oh,
Mr. Beecher-I robbed your hallway a few
days ago and have been mi-mi-miser-
able ever since, sob, sob, sob.
Some one had taken two or three over
coats and other articles from Mr. BeeCher's
house, and the confession of the repentant
lnleI rather nOnpluSSeu tne tlN1lhIutn pas
tor for few moments The mans tears
decided the day. however, and Beecher for
gave him and asked for the mans story.
The latter said that he was out of employ
ment at the time of the theft hungry and
completely disheartened. Seeing the door
open he had stolen the articles. Previous
ly he had led All honest life, and the thought
Of his fall had driven him to seek forgive
ness.
After sympathizing with him and giving
him good advice for a few minutes, Mr.
Beecher asked
Now, what do you intend to do Z.
II thought l would get some brushes
neckties and little articles and peddle them
around
But you will need the articles first,
and a basket. Have you money to buy
/ themN
No, sir, hut | was so miserable that
/ had to come to you for forgiveness, and
now feel like a new man, and | can do
anything | will get money enough some
where to start
Promptly the philanthropist drew so
bill from his pocket and persuaded the man
to take it. Then with few words of good
advice conducted him to the door.
You know continued Mr. Beecher,
my wife is a thoroughly practical woman.
| | told her what had done She threw up
her hands and exclaimed Henry Ward
did you give that man SO for robbing
! yOu' y BROOKLYN Eagle.